Wood pellet manufacturer to create 64 jobs in Southampton

Enviva LP plans to open a wood pellet manufacturing facility in Southampton County, creating 64 new jobs.

Enviva is a manufacturer of processed biomass fuel in the U.S. and Europe. The $75 million project will require a local rezoning.

The company was attracted to Southampton’s proximity to timber and access to the company’s port facility in Chesapeake.

“As power producers increasingly turn to sustainable, renewable processed biomass fuel to reduce their carbon footprint, Enviva will continue to look to great communities like Courtland to build the future in renewable energy manufacturing,” Enviva Chairman and CEO John Keppler said in statement. “Southampton County has all the elements essential to our success: a rich wood basket, a strong and seasoned timber industry, a skilled and experienced labor force and is logistically advantaged to our Port of Chesapeake export terminal.”

Gov. Bob McDonnell approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Southampton with the project.